(CNN) - – U.S. Rep. Barney Frank married his longtime partner Saturday evening, becoming the first member of Congress to marry someone of the same gender while in office.

Frank's office said the 16-term Massachusetts Democrat married Jim Ready, a small business owner and photographer from Maine at a Newton, Massachusetts ceremony officiated by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

The two pledged "to love each other and be each other's best friend, in sickness and in health, in Congress or in retirement, whether the surf is up or the surf’s flat, for richer or for poorer, under the Democrats or the Republicans, whether the slopes are powdery or icy, whether the book reviews are good or bad, for better or for worse, on MSNBC or on Fox."

Three hundred family members, friends and colleagues attended the ceremony, Frank's office said.

Frank's spokesman said in January that the couple had plans to marry, but at the time had no details on when the ceremony would take place.

Massachusetts is one of six states that allow same-sex marriage. The first same-sex marriage in the United States was performed in 2004 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Frank, 72, has represented the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts since 1981 and has said he will not seek re-election.

Congratulations to Barney and Jim. I'm sure you'll be very happy. I wish you'd been my rep instead of Conseco.

July 7, 2012 10:41 pm at 10:41 pm |

Ed1

And who cares what news is this.

July 7, 2012 10:43 pm at 10:43 pm |

Don

Perfect. Brought to you by oneof the main people responsiblefor the housing crisis. Obviously he has a moral crisis as well. Oh Boy.

July 7, 2012 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm |

Kevin O and Bruce T - Long time partners

Congratulations Jim and Barney. We wish you two the best.

July 7, 2012 10:47 pm at 10:47 pm |

Zander

Awesome! I wish them all the best.

July 7, 2012 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

Mona

Congrats! We have the greatest respect for you Mr. Franks & what you stand for politically. You tell it like it is. Congress will not be the same after you leave. We wish you & Mr. Ready many many more happy years.

July 7, 2012 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

Meki60

that's great, he ruined the mortgage industry and was a main player in the foreclosure crisis and now we should be by happy that he is married, don't think so!

July 7, 2012 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

Clear and Present Thinker

Who? I wasn't invited.

When did CNN turn into a society page>

July 7, 2012 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

Cynthia

Congratulations Rep. Frank! I wish you and your partner a lifetime of love, companionship, and happiness.

July 7, 2012 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

cougforester

I don't mind that he married his partner – may they have many years of happiness together. What I mind....16 TERMS! This is the problem with DC. Move on, this is not a career – it was supposed to be something you did to represent your state, not grow roots and make it a life long 'gig'!
Retirement, health care plan – you all should have regular jobs and go to DC to represent real working people.
Want change – change the idea of be a lifer in DC!

July 7, 2012 10:49 pm at 10:49 pm |

davecu

I would be happier if he was getting the indictment he so richly deserves!